The decision doesn’t come as a surprise. Crawford has been playing with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The question was never if Crawford would have surgery, but when. The team’s medical staff met with Crawford Monday and made that decision.

The Red Sox released this statement:

“Carl Crawford has a chronic left elbow ulnar collateral ligament tear. While he has been following a conservative treatment protocol and playing with this injury, his symptoms are getting worse. After consultation with the Boston Red Sox medical staff and with Dr. James Andrews, the decision has been made to proceed with a left elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery). The surgery will be performed by Dr. Andrews on Thursday, August 23. We expect Carl to make a full recovery.”

In 31 games this season, the 31-year-old hit .282, with 23 runs scored and five stolen bases.